Apparatus for the treatment of refractive error using active stimulation

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for an active projection system that may be incorporated into spectacles, contact lenses or provided as an add-on layer to existing spectacles or lenses. The active projection system operates to generate a stimulus or stimuli for viewing by a person’s eye. The stimulus or stimuli creates an image that is defocused in front of the person’s retina and can assist in slowing or stopping the progression of myopia or other refractive errors in the person.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No.17/820,738, filed Aug. 18, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.Application No. 17/650,266, filed Feb. 8, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No.11,467,423, issued Oct. 11, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.Application No. 17/303,889, filed Jun. 9, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No.11,281,022, issued Mar. 22, 2022, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/037,504,filed Jun. 10, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated, in theirentirety, by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is a visual disorder that isfrequently progressive and worsens through adolescence and earlyadulthood. It is characterized by the ability to see objects clearly atnearer distances, but at farther distances objects become blurry. Thisis primarily the result of the eye being a non-spherical shape andinstead being elongated, so that images of objects are not focused atthe retina. In some myopic persons, the axial dimension or axis of theeye increases over time, with the result of worsening near-sightedness.The elongated dimension of the eye is commonly referred to as its axiallength and is measured along the primary visual axis.

It has been demonstrated that the progression of myopia in some patientscan be slowed or stopped by providing stimuli consisting of an imagethat is defocused in front of the retina, a technique referred to asmyopic defocus. Some prior approaches for providing such stimuli rely onpassive manipulation of light from the surrounding environment. However,this approach can lead to less than ideal visual results and degradedimage quality in at least some instances. One approach that has beensuggested involves the projection of stimulus or stimuli into the midperipheral area of the retina, where the stimulus image is thenmyopically defocused. However, at least some of the prior approaches canbe somewhat more complex and less than ideally suited for use withvision devices such as spectacles. Also, at least some of the priorapproaches have been somewhat more cumbersome for the user to wear in atleast some instances.

In light of the above improved methods and apparatus are needed thatameliorate at least some of the aforementioned limitations of the priorapproaches.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses andmethods for an active projection system for use in the treatment ofrefractive error that may be incorporated into spectacles, contactlenses, or provided as an add-on layer or film to existing spectacles orlenses. The disclosed active projection system may also be incorporatedinto a virtual or augmented reality device, smartphone, handheld device,tablet computer, electronic game console, or similar device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for an active projection system fortreatment of refractive error comprises a plurality of projectionmodules and a plurality of optical elements. Each projection modulegenerates a stimulus that is directed to an optical element which thendirects the stimulus to a desired location in a person’s eye. In someembodiments, the stimulus creates an image that is defocused in front ofor behind the person’s retina and can assist in slowing or stopping theprogression of myopia in the person. Although this disclosure willgenerally discuss the treatment of myopia, it should be understood thatthe apparatuses and methods described herein may be used to treat otherforms of refractive error by forming an stimulus image anterior orposterior to a peripheral region of a retina of the eye.

In some embodiments, each projection module includes a source ofillumination, a stimulus forming element that generates a stimulus whenilluminated by the source of illumination, and a guide that directs thegenerated stimulus to an optical element. The optical element directsthe generated stimulus to a desired region or location of a person’s eyewhere the stimulus forms an image that is defocused on the retina.Depending on the type of refractive error being treated, the region orlocation of the eye may be anterior or posterior to a peripheral regionof the retina of the eye.

In some embodiments, the stimulus forming element may be a mask, film,or reticle. In some embodiments, the guide may be a lightguide and mayinclude one or more mirrors, partial mirrors, beam splitters, or lensesto properly direct the stimulus to an optical element. In someembodiments, the guide may direct the stimulus to a facet of a lens,with the facet then directing the stimulus to, or focusing the stimuluson, an optical element.

In some embodiments, the optical element may comprise one or moremirrors, partial mirrors, beam splitters, or lenses that direct thestimulus into the eye to form an image of the stimulus at the desiredlocation. The mirrors can be sized and shaped in many ways and maycomprise one or more of flat mirrors, curved mirrors, concave mirrors,convex mirrors, spherically shaped mirrors or aspheric mirrors. In someembodiments, the optical element may comprise a lightguide that containsthe one or more mirrors, partial mirrors, beam splitters, or lenses.

In some embodiments, the projection modules and optical elements may befabricated as part of a pair of spectacles (typically as part of theframes and/or lenses), as part of a pair of contact lenses, or as a filmor layer to be applied to an existing contact lens or set of spectaclelenses.

In some embodiments, the projection modules and optical elements may beincorporated into a virtual or augmented reality device, smartphone,handheld device, tablet computer, electronic game console, or similardevice. In these embodiments, the projection modules and opticalelements may be incorporated into an existing device or provided as anadd-on or peripheral device.

In embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus totreat refractive error of an eye, where the apparatus comprises anoptic, a plurality of projection modules arranged around a periphery ofthe optic, and a plurality of optical elements arranged on the optic.Each of the plurality of projection modules generates and directs lightto form a stimulus, typically by illuminating a mask or reticle. Theplurality of optical elements receives the light from the plurality ofprojection modules and direct the received light to form an image of thestimulus anterior or posterior to a peripheral region of a retina of theeye.

In some embodiments, the optic comprises one of a lens in a pair ofspectacles, a contact lens, or a film or layer that may be applied to,formed on, or attached to a lens. In these embodiments, the opticalelements direct the received light through the lens, with the lensdirecting the light to form an image of the stimuli inside the eye.

In some embodiments, the optic comprises a lens with a clear centraloptical zone to provide a clear image to the macula while the stimuliare provided to the peripheral retina.

In some embodiments, each of the projection modules includes circuitryfor activating a source of illumination in response to a control signal,a stimulus forming element that forms a stimulus when illuminated by thesource of illumination, and a guide element that directs light from thestimulus forming element to at least one of the plurality of opticalelements.

In some embodiments, the source of illumination comprises one or more ofa LED, OLED, a phosphorescent LED or a plurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the guide element is a lightguide and includes alight channel to transmit light, a reflective element to redirect thetransmitted light to form the image, and a focusing element to receivethe redirected light and to project the redirected light toward at leastone of the optical elements. In some embodiments, the lightguide has around cross-section. In another embodiment, the lightguide has arectangular or other suitable cross-section.

In some embodiments, each of the of optical elements includes one ormore mirrors, partial mirrors, or beam splitters. In some embodimentseach of the optical elements comprises a lightguide, where thelightguide includes a mirror or mirrors to redirect the receivedstimulus into the eye to form a stimulus image anterior or posterior toa peripheral region of the retina. Alternatively or in combination, thelightguide may comprise one or more partial mirrors or beam splitters,where the partial mirrors or beam splitters provide stimulus images ofsubstantially same luminance to be formed by each lightguide.

The mirrors can be sized and shaped in many ways and may comprise one ormore of flat mirrors, curved mirrors, concave mirrors, convex mirrors,spherically shaped mirrors or aspheric mirrors. In some embodiments, themirror or partial mirrors comprise flat mirrors. In some embodiments,the mirror or partial mirrors comprise concave mirrors.

In some embodiments, the guide element directs light to a facet of alens, with the facet directing the light to an optical element.

In some embodiments, the formed image of the stimulus is an illuminatedcross on a dark background and optionally a white cross on a blackbackground.

In some embodiments, the optic comprises a lens of a pair of spectaclesand each of the projection modules is supported by a frame of thespectacles, and optionally are embedded or partially embedded in theframe.

In some embodiments, the optic comprises an optical substrate having acurvature substantially the same as the front curvature of a lens of apair of spectacles and is configured to fit over the lens of the pair ofspectacles. In some embodiments, the optic comprises an opticalsubstrate having a curvature substantially the same as the backcurvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles and the optic configured tofit behind the lens of the pair of spectacles. In some embodiments, theoptical substrate may comprise a film or layer and will have sufficientflexibility to be fit to the front or back of the lens. Alternatively orin combination, the optical substrate may comprise a stiff substratesuch as a rigid substrate, in which the substrate comprises a curvaturecorresponding to the front or back curvature of the lens to fit thecurved surface of the lens. The curvature corresponding to the front orback curvature of the lens may comprise one or more of a sphericalcurvature, a toroidal curvature or a cylindrical curvature

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an apparatus for treatingrefractive error of an eye includes arranging a set of projectionmodules around a periphery of an optic, where each of the projectionmodules generates and directs light to form a stimulus and arranging aset of optical elements on the optic to receive the light from theprojection modules. The optical elements direct the received light toform an image of the stimulus anterior or posterior to a peripheralregion of a retina of the eye.

In some embodiments, a method of correcting refractive error of an eyeincludes generating a stimulus by operating a set of projection modulesarranged around a periphery of an optic, where each of the projectionmodules operates to generate and direct light to form the stimulus. Themethod also includes forming an image of the stimulus anterior orposterior to a peripheral region of a retina of the eye by directinglight from the projection modules to a set of optical elements arrangedon the optic. In this embodiment, the optical elements receive the lightfrom the projection modules and direct the received light to form theimage of the stimulus.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All patents, applications, and publications referred to and identifiedherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and shallbe considered fully incorporated by reference even though referred toelsewhere in the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features, advantages and principles of thepresent disclosure will be obtained by reference to the followingdetailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A shows a cross section of a vision apparatus to treat myopia orother refractive error of an eye, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1B shows a pair of spectacles that incorporate an apparatus fortreatment of a refractive error of an eye, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the spectacles of FIG. 1B, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a lens of the spectacles of FIG. 1B in which anapparatus for treatment of a refractive error of an eye has beenincorporated, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a projection module that may be part of anapparatus for treatment of a refractive error of an eye, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows a lens of the spectacles of FIG. 1B, including the lensfacets and embedded mirrors (optical elements), in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and the use of a mirrorembedded in the lens to redirect the light, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and the use of a lightguideembedded in the lens and containing a mirror to redirect the light, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and the use of a set ofpartial mirrors embedded in the lens to redirect the light, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 8 with a set of partial mirrorsembedded in the lens to redirect the light, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 10 shows the operation of the set of partial mirrors of FIG. 9 , inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a spectacle lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module into a lightguide, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an example of the lightguide of FIG. 11 in which a set ofpartial mirrors are used to reflect the light, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a lightguide containing a set of mirrors whichdirect the light to a convex surface, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 14 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a set of mirrors which direct the light to a convexsurface, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 15 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a mirror which directs the light to a convexsurface, lens, or lenses, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a concave mirror, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 17 shows a front view of a lens in which a facet directs light froma projection module to a concave mirror, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the lens of FIG. 17 , in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 19 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a set of concave mirrors, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 20 shows a view of a lens in which a facet directs light from aprojection module to a lightguide containing a set of concave mirrors,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 21 shows a front view of the lens of FIG. 20 , in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 22 shows a top view of a lens to which has been applied a film orlayer incorporating the projection modules and a set of optical elements(in this case mirrors), in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the lens of FIG. 22 , in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the applied film or layer andlens of FIG. 22 , in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 25 shows a view of a corrective lens to the front of which has beenapplied a film or layer incorporating the projection modules and a setof mirrors, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 26 shows a view of a corrective lens to the back of which has beenapplied a film or layer incorporating the projection modules and a setof mirrors, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description provides a better understanding ofthe features and advantages of the inventions described in the presentdisclosure in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. Althoughthe detailed description includes many specific embodiments, these areprovided by way of example only and should not be construed as limitingthe scope of the inventions disclosed herein.

Unless indicated otherwise, each of the described embodiments comprisesone or more projection modules and one or more optical elements. Eachprojection module comprises a source of illumination, a stimulus formingelement, and a guide element. The guide element may comprise a lighttube or lightguide. The light tube or lightguide may comprise a mirrorused to direct the formed stimulus to a lens or lenses. The mirror canbe sized and shaped in many ways and may comprise one or more of a flatmirror, a curved mirror, a concave mirrors, a convex mirrors, aspherically shaped mirror or an aspheric mirror. The mirror may comprisea flat mirror, a partial mirror, or concave mirror, for example. Thelens or lenses of the light tube or lightguide direct and focus thestimulus to one or more of a set of optical elements. The opticalelements redirect the stimulus to form an image of the stimulus anterioror posterior to a peripheral region of the retina.

The optical elements may comprise a mirror or mirrors, a partial mirror(or set of partial mirrors), a beam splitter or beam splitters, a lensor lenses, or a concave surface or surfaces. The optical elements may beembedded in, applied to, or formed on an optic or contained in alightguide that is embedded in, applied to, or formed on the optic. Themirror can be sized and shaped in many ways and may comprise one or moreof a flat mirror, a curved mirror, a concave mirror, a convex mirror, aspherically shaped mirror or an aspheric mirror. The mirror(s) may be aflat mirror, partial mirror, or a concave mirror, for example. Theprojection modules may be supported by, or embedded in or partiallyembedded in, a frame of a pair of spectacles. In these embodiments, theoptical elements may be embedded in, formed on, or applied as a film orlayer to a lens of the spectacles. A facet in a lens may be used todirect a stimulus provided by a projection module to an optical element.Both the projection modules and the optical elements may be incorporatedin or formed on a contact lens. Further, both the projection modules andthe optical elements may be incorporated in a film or layer that isapplied to the front surface or back surface of a corrective lens.

The projection modules may include circuitry for operating or activatingthe source of illumination. The source of illumination may be a LED,OLED, a phosphorescent LED or a plurality of LEDs. The circuitry may bea printed circuit board (PCB) that implements logic to control oractivate the source of illumination. The projection module may alsoinclude a source of power, such as a battery. The logic implemented bythe circuitry may be implemented in the form of a processor programmedwith a set of executable instructions. The stimulus forming element maycomprise a mask, film, or a reticle. The image formed by the projectionmodule and optical element may comprise an illuminated cross on a darkbackground and optionally a white cross on a black background.

Although specific reference is made to spectacles and contact lensesherein, the disclosed apparatus and methods are suited for use with, orincorporation into, other devices or systems. A person of ordinary skillin the art will readily appreciate how one or more of the disclosedcomponents or elements may be implemented as part of other systems ordevices, based on the teachings provided herein.

For example, the projection modules and/or optical elements may bepartially or wholly incorporated into one or more of an ophthalmicdevice, a TV screen, a computer screen, a virtual reality (“VR”)display, an augmented reality (“AR”) display, a handheld device, amobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, awearable device, a spectacle lens frame, a spectacle lens, a near eyedisplay, a head-mounted display, a goggle, a contact lens, animplantable device, a corneal onlay, a corneal inlay, a cornealprosthesis, or an intraocular lens.

Although the presently disclosed methods and apparatus can be used totreat many types of refractive error, the presently disclosed methodsand apparatus are well suited to treat the progression of myopia, forexample.

FIG. 1A shows a cross section of a vision apparatus 100 to treat myopiaor other refractive error of an eye 102, in accordance with someembodiments. The projection modules and optical elements describedherein may be implemented as part of the optic 112 by use of anysuitable process. Such processes include embedding, etching, filmdeposition, photo-lithography, insertion into a cavity, molding, etc.The images generated by the stimulus forming element described hereinare transmitted through the optic 112 to the eye 102 of the user,represented by the cornea 114 and the pupil 116. The optic 112 maycomprise a refractive lens that changes the focus of the light beforethe light enters the eye 102 of a user. The optic may instead comprise afilm or layer that is applied to a lens, either to the front or back ofa lens.

The optic 112 may include a posterior optical structure 122 that may becurved or otherwise shaped to adjust the focus of the stimuli onto theuser’s eye 102. For example, in some embodiments in which, for example,the projection modules and optical elements are implemented as part of,or as an addition to spectacles, the optic 112 may comprise aprescription lens to correct refractive errors of the patient’s eye 102with the posterior optical surface 122 shaped to correct one or more ofmyopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and other refractive errors of the eye102.

A defocus treatment device 124 may be attached to, embedded in, orformed as part of a surface of, the optic 112. For example, in FIG. 1Athe defocus treatment device 124 is a part of, or attached to, the frontsurface of the optic 112. In some embodiments, the treatment device 124is adhered to the optic 112 with an adhesive. In some embodiments, thedefocus treatment device 124 comprises a peripheral defocus opticalstructure 120 arranged around a central optical zone 118. In someembodiments, the defocus optical structure 120 alters the focus of thelight. The defocus optical structure can be configured to form astimulus image 104 anterior to the retina 106 to treat refractive errorof the eye 102 such as myopia. Alternatively, the defocus opticalstructure 120 can be configured to form an image of the stimulus 104posterior to the retina 106 of the eye 102.

Although in some embodiments, reference is made to the treatment defocusdevice 120 being adhered to an optic 112 where the optic is a lens, insome embodiments the defocus optical structure 120 is formed directly onthe surface of a lens, for example with structures etched into thesurface of a lens. In some embodiments, the defocus optical structure120 is formed as a module that is embedded in a lens or is formed aspart of a process of molding a lens.

The dimensions of the optical zone 118 and peripheral defocus opticalstructure 120 zone can be configured in many ways. In some embodiments,the optical zone 118 is configured to provide a clear view of an objecton the macula 103 while the peripheral defocus structure 120 providesthe stimulus to the peripheral retina. In some embodiments, theperipheral defocus optical structure 120 is sized and shaped to transmitlight at an angle within a range from 12 degrees to 40 degrees withreference to an entrance pupil of the eye 102 or within a range from 15to 35 degrees, for example. In some embodiments, the angle comprises ahalf-angle, such as an angle between the boundary of the optical zoneand a line formed through the center of the optical zone and the centerof the entrance pupil. In some embodiments, the peripheral defocusoptical structure 120 is sized to be at an angle within range from 15degrees to 50 degrees with reference to an entrance pupil of the eye,for example.

In some embodiments, the peripheral defocus optical structure 120comprises an inner boundary and an outer boundary. The inner boundarycorresponding to an inner boundary angle 125 within a range from 15degrees to 20 degrees with reference to the entrance pupil 116 of theeye 102 and the outer boundary corresponding to an outer boundary angle126 within a range from 25 degrees to 70 degrees with reference to theentrance pupil of the eye 102. In some embodiments, the lens is adistance 108 from the eye 102. The distance, the inner boundary, and theouter boundary may be dimensioned to provide the inner angle and theouter angle with reference to the entrance pupil of the eye 102.

The peripheral defocus optical structure 120 may be annular in shape,having an inner diameter and an outer diameter selected such that theperipheral defocus is applied to a portion of the retina of thepatient’s eye 102 that is eccentric to the fovea. For example, the innerdiameter may be at an angle of about 7.5 degrees with respect to anoptical axis of the optic 112 and pupil, this angle may be referred toas an inner boundary angle 125. The outer diameter of the peripheraldefocus optical structure 120 may be at an outer boundary angle 126 withrespect to the optical axis of the primary eye 102 and the people, forexample at 17.5 degrees. Such an arrangement, results in the peripheraldefocus optical structure 120 being located in a peripheral field ofview of the user with a corresponding defocus of the projected light ina peripheral region of the user’s retina eccentric to the fovea.

Although reference is made to an annular shape, the peripheral defocusoptical structure 120 can be configured with other shapes, such aspolygons, squares, triangles, and may comprise a plurality of discreteoptical structures located around the optical zone at appropriatelocations.

In some embodiments, the peripheral defocus optical structure 120 mayinclude optics or optical structures that change the focus of the lightprojected into a person’s eye 102. Peripheral defocus optical structure120 may comprise one or more of diffractive optics, lenslets, gradientindex (“GRIN”) lenslets, crossed cylindrical rods, masks, or echelettesthat alter the focus of light passing through the defocus opticalstructure 120.

In some embodiments, the peripheral defocus optical structure 120 isdimensioned to provide defocused images to a peripheral portion of theretina. In some embodiments, the defocus optical structure 120 isconfigured to provide a stimulus to a peripheral portion of the retinathat comprises a region of the retina outside the fovea or the macula103, so as to provide clear vision to the fovea and the macula 103 whenthe user looks ahead and the peripheral defocus optical structure 120provides a defocused image onto the peripheral retina. The image may bedefocused in a range between 2.0 to 6.0 Diopters (“D”) myopically orhyperopically with respect to the retina. For example, the defocus maybe 3.5 D to 5 D anterior to the retina, e.g. myopic defocus, orposterior to the retina, e.g. hyperopic defocus. The defocus ispreferably between 2.5 D to 5.0 D, and more preferably between 3.0 D to5.0 D.

In some embodiments, a defocus treatment device includes use oflocalized stimuli projected into the peripheral zone to treat refractiveerrors of the eye 102. In the defocus treatment device 124, the stimuliare projected through the peripheral defocus optical structure 120 andaccordingly, the stimuli are defocused by the peripheral defocus opticalstructure.

For the treatment of spherical refractive errors of the eye 102, such asmyopia, the stimulation projected to the retina 106 may be uniform aboutthe periphery of the central optical zone 118. For the treatment ofcylindrical refractive errors of the eye 102, such as astigmatism, thestimulation projected to the retina may be non-uniform about theperiphery of the central optical zone 118. For example, the stimulationmay be greater along a meridian corresponding to or aligned with anastigmatic first axis of the eye 102 and symmetrically mirrored about asecond astigmatic axis of the eye 102.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1B shows a pair of spectacles 200 that incorporate an apparatus 100for treatment of a refractive error of an eye, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the spectacles 200 of FIG. 1B,in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2 , someembodiments the apparatus 100 incorporates micro projection systems(termed “projection modules” herein), each with its own optics 210, thatare arrayed circumferentially around the periphery of a lens or othertype of optic 112 and within the frame 212 of a pair of spectacles 200.The projection modules 214 contain a light source (termed a “source ofillumination” herein) with a mask or other element being illuminated tocreate a stimulus (termed a “stimulus forming element” herein).

The light source may comprise an LED, OLED, or other form of display.The projection module 214 may include a light tube or lightguide (termeda “guide element” herein) that directs the stimulus to an opticalelement. The light tube or lightguide may include a mirror which directsthe formed stimulus to a set of optical elements 216 (for example,mirrors, partial mirrors, beam splitters, or lightguides) that arearranged on or in a lens 112. The optical elements 216 redirect thestimulus or image through the spectacle lens to the eye. As shown inFIG. 2 , in some embodiments, a facet or facets 218 in a lens are usedto transmit a stimulus or image from a projection module that isincorporated into a spectacle frame to a set of optical elements.

In some embodiments, the mirrors are configured to reflect a narrowbandwidth of light and to transmit light at other wavelengths. Thereflective bandwidth can be within a range from about 5 nm to about 50nm (or 10 nm to 25 nm) for the full width half maximum, for example, inorder to transmit wavelengths outside the reflective bandwidth. Thisapproach can provide a mirror that is substantially transparent andallow the optic, e.g. lens, to transmit light with a refraction that issubstantial similarly to regions of the optic without the mirrors, e.g.the optical zone. This approach can allow the wearer to havesubstantially clear focused vision in the regions with the mirrors. Whenthe projection modules are activated, the stimuli are imaged anterior orposterior to the retina and perceptible to the user. With theseembodiments, the light source typically comprises a bandwidth that istypically less than the reflective bandwidth to decrease stray light,although the light source bandwidth may be greater than the bandwidth ofthe mirrors. The bandwidth of the plurality of light sources can bewithin a range from 5 nm to 50 nm, for example from 10 nm to 25 nm, forthe full width half maximum of the bandwidth of the light source. Insome embodiments, the mirrors comprise dichroic mirrors with one or morelayers to provide an appropriate bandwidth.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a lens 112 of the spectacles 200 of FIG. 1B inwhich an apparatus 100 for treatment of a refractive error of an eye hasbeen incorporated, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in thefigures, arranged around a periphery of the lens are a plurality ofprojection modules 214, where in some embodiments the projection modulesmay be fabricated as elements of a printed circuit board (PCB) 230. Theprojection modules 214 generate a stimulus that is provided to a facet232 in the lens 112. The facet 232 acts to direct the generated stimulusto an embedded or applied optical element 216, such as a mirror, partialmirror, beam splitter, or lightguide. The optical elements 216 of FIGS.3A and 3B are imbedded mirrors.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a projection module 214 that may be part of anapparatus 100 for treatment of a refractive error of an eye, inaccordance with some embodiments. As shown in FGIS. 4A and 4B, someembodiments of a projection module includes a PCB 402 (which may containor implement circuitry, a processor, or control logic), a source ofillumination 404, a mask, film, or reticle that is used to generate orform a stimulus, and a light tube or lightguide that transmits thegenerated stimulus to a mirror 410. In this embodiment, the mirror 410acts to redirect the generated stimulus to a lens or lenses 412. Thelens or lenses 412 of the light tube or lightguide act to direct andfocus the generated stimulus to one or more optical elements 216, suchas the mirrors described with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B.

The light tube or lightguide 408 may contain a convex surface 412, alens, or lenses that create convergent light exiting the light tube orlightguide 408. As mentioned, in some embodiments, a facet on the edgeof the spectacle lens or other lens directs the light from theprojection module 214 to an optical element 216 which is embedded in,formed on, or applied to the lens. The optical element (for example, amirror) directs the light such that it focuses an image at theappropriate location in the eye. FIG. 5 shows a lens 112 of thespectacles of FIG. 1B, including the lens facets 232 and a set ofembedded mirrors 216 (i.e., the optical elements), in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and includesthe use of a mirror 216 embedded in the lens 112 as an optical elementto redirect the light 600, in accordance with some embodiments. As shownin the FIG. 6 , a facet in the lens directs light from a projectionmodule to the mirror.

Embodiment 2

This embodiment comprises the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthis embodiment, a facet 232 on the edge of the spectacle lens 112directs the light 600 to a light guide 700 which includes a mirror 216.The lightguide 700 is embedded in, formed on, or applied to the lens 112and the mirror 216 directs the light to form an image in the eye. FIG. 7shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and the use of a lightguide 700embedded in the lens and containing a mirror to redirect the light, inaccordance with some embodiments. The lightguide 700 may have theproperties and characteristics of lightguide 408.

Embodiment 3

This embodiment comprises the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthis embodiment, a facet 232 on the edge of the spectacle lens 112directs the light to a set of partial mirrors 216A, 216B, 216C (or beamsplitters, etc.) which are embedded in, formed on, or applied to thelens 112. The light reflected by the partial mirrors 216A, 216B, 216Ccauses each reflection to be of the same luminance when an image isfocused in the eye. FIG. 8 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 and theuse of a set of partial mirrors embedded in the lens to redirect thelight, in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 8 , each partial mirror reflects a percentage of theincident light, while transmitting the remainder. In the example shownin FIG. 8 , for the first partial mirror 216A one-third of the incidentlight is reflected with two-thirds of the incident light beingtransmitted. For the second partial mirror 216B, one-half of theincident light is reflected with one-half of the incident light beingtransmitted. For the third partial mirror 216C, all of the incidentlight is reflected with none being transmitted. Note that by configuringa set of partial mirrors or beam splitters appropriately (i.e., with theappropriate percentages or fractions of reflection and transmissionrelative to each other), a set of beams of light having equal luminancemay be formed and directed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 ,each mirror reflects one third of the light provided from the projectionmodule.

FIG. 9 shows a view of the lens of FIG. 5 with a set of partial mirrors216A, 216B, 216C embedded in the lens 112 to redirect the light, inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 10 shows the operation of the setof partial mirrors 216 of FIG. 9 , in accordance with some embodiments.As shown in the figure, the luminance or intensity of the reflectedlight varies as the light intersects each partial mirror 216A, 216B,216C in a set and is partially (or wholly) reflected. This behaviorenables the selection of the characteristics of each partial mirror in aset to result in each set producing an image of the stimuli that is ofthe same luminance when viewed by the eye.

The partial mirrors 216A, 216B, 216C may be selected to have a specificreflectivity/transmissivity relationship as a function of wavelength,with the selection depending on the output of the source of illuminationin the projection modules. This enables the design and implementation ofa set of partial mirrors that will combine with a specific source ofillumination to produce the desired equal luminance reflections.

Embodiment 4

This embodiment comprises the projection modules 214 and opticalelements 216 described with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and4B. However, in this embodiment, a facet 232 on the edge of thespectacle lens 112 directs the light to a lightguide 700 embedded in,formed on, or applied to the lens 112 and containing a set of partialmirrors 216 (or beam splitters). As described, the light 600 reflectedby the partial mirrors 216 causes each reflection to be of the sameluminance when an image is focused in the eye. FIG. 11 shows a spectaclelens in which a facet 232 directs light from a projection module 214into a lightguide 700, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 12shows an example of the lightguide 700 of FIG. 11 in which a set ofpartial mirrors 216 are used to reflect the light 600, in accordancewith some embodiments.

In this and other embodiments, the lightguide 700 may be fabricated ormanufactured using a triple molding, etching, deposition,photo-lithography or other suitable process. In such a process, a firstlayer 1200 or film may be deposited, molded or otherwise formed to serveas a base layer. Next, a set of partial mirrors or beam splitters 216may be deposited, molded, or otherwise formed onto the base layer in oneor more process stages. This may be accomplished by forming one partialmirror or beam splitter in each stage or forming one portion of apartial mirror or beam splitter in each stage and iteratively buildingthe desired set. Finally, a top layer 1202 may be deposited, molded, orotherwise formed on the layer containing the partial mirrors.

Embodiments 5 A, B, C

These embodiments comprise the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthese embodiments, a facet 232 on the edge of the spectacle lens 112directs the light to a mirror 216 or mirrors embedded in, formed on, orapplied to the lens (which as shown in FIG. 13 , may be contained in alightguide 700). The mirror or mirrors 216 reflect the light such thatit is further focused by a convex surface, lens, or lenses 1302. Theconvex surface, lens, or lenses 1302 are concentric with the light 600so that the image focuses in the proper location in the eye.

FIG. 13 shows a view of a lens 112 in which a facet 232 directs lightfrom a projection module to a lightguide 700 containing a set of mirrors216 which then direct the light to a convex surface 1302, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 14 shows a view of a lens 112 in which afacet 232 directs light from a projection module to a set of mirrors 216which direct the light to a convex surface 1302, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 15 shows a view of a lens 112 in which a facet 232directs light from a projection module to a mirror 216 which directs thelight to a convex surface, lens or lenses, 1302 in accordance with someembodiments.

Embodiments 6 A, B, C

These embodiments comprise the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthese embodiments, a facet 232 on the edge of the spectacle lens 112directs the light 600 to a concave mirror or mirrors 1302 embedded in,formed on, or applied to the lens (and which may be contained in alightguide). The concave mirror or mirrors 1302 reflect the light suchthat an image focuses in the proper location in the eye.

FIG. 16 shows a view of a lens 112 in which a facet 232 directs lightfrom a projection module to a concave mirror 216, in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 17 shows a front view of a lens 112 in which afacet 232 directs light from a projection module 214 to a concave mirror216, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 18 shows a side view ofthe lens 112 of FIG. 17 , in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 19shows a view of a lens 112 in which a facet 232 directs light 600 from aprojection module to a concave mirror 216 among a set of concavemirrors, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 20 shows a view of alens 112 in which a facet 232 directs light from a projection module toa lightguide 700 containing a set of concave mirrors 216, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 21 shows a front view of the lens 112 ofFIG. 20 , in accordance with some embodiments.

Embodiment 7

As described, the projection modules 214 and optical elements 216 may beembedded in, formed on, molded as part of, applied to, attached to, orotherwise integrated with a lens 112. Standard methods of producingspectacle lenses use lens blanks with a common spherical front surfacehaving a specified curvature, referred to as the front base curve. Theback surface of the lens is ground and polished to impart the sphericalor astigmatic correction needed for a patient. In the embodiments to bedescribed, a process can be implemented in which a rigid, semi-rigid, orflexible optical substrate 2200 (such as a film or deposition layer) isused as a base for embedding or forming the components or elements ofthe projection modules and/or optical elements. The back surface of theoptical substrate would be designed to have a curvature that would matchor could be matched (through the use of semi-rigid or flexible opticalsubstrates) to the front base curve of a spectacle lens 112.

The electronic components may extend beyond the edge of a normallymanufactured spectacle lens and would be housed within the frame of apair of spectacles. In these embodiments, a lab would create a spectaclelens that contains the prescription needed to correct for a person’srefractive error. The frames and the electro-optical assembly would bepurchased by the laboratory. During the process of manufacturing thespectacles, the optoelectronics contained within the projection modules214 and optical elements 216 would be connected as needed tomicroprocessors, batteries, other sensors, and any other electronicsthat are contained within the frames. This could be accomplished throughcontact electrodes or in another suitable fashion.

Embodiment 8

This embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 7, except that insteadof the back surface of the rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible opticalsubstrate being attached to the front surface of the lens, the frontsurface of the rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible optical substrate isattached to the back surface of the lens. In this embodiment, theoptical substrate would typically need to be sufficiently flexible to beable to be attached to the back surface of the lens.

Embodiment 9

This embodiment comprises the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthese embodiments, the projection modules and optical elements areembedded within the material of a soft or rigid gas permeable contactlens or hybrid lens. The electronic and projection components wouldreside in the periphery of the lens, while the mirrors and/or otheroptical elements could reside in the paracentral area.

Embodiment 10

These embodiments comprise the projection modules and optical elementsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, inthese embodiments the projection modules and optical elements aremanufactured as part of a film or layer 2200 that may be applied to anexisting lens. FIG. 22 shows a top view of a lens 112 to which has beenapplied a film or layer 2200 incorporating the projection modules 214and a set of optical elements 216, such as mirrors, in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the lens 112 of FIG. 22, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the applied film or layer 2200and lens 112 of FIG. 22 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shownin the FIG. 24 , a projection module 214 and mirror 216 are embedded inor otherwise manufactured as part of a film or layer 2200 (identified as“Stick on Body” in the figure). The film or layer 2200 is applied to anexisting lens 112. FIG. 25 shows a view of a corrective lens 112 to thefront of which has been applied a film or layer 2200 incorporating theprojection modules 214 and a set of mirrors 216, in accordance with someembodiments. The film or layer 2200 may be adhered to the lens 112 isadhesive, such as a contact adhesive, in the form of an adhesive layer2400. The lens 112 may include a mounting bevel 2400 for mounting thelens with the attached layer 2200 to a spectacle frame. FIG. 26 shows aview of a corrective lens 112 to the back of which has been applied afilm or layer 2200 incorporating the projection modules 214 and a set ofmirrors 216, in accordance with some embodiments.

Although multiple embodiments of an apparatus and methods for treatingrefractive error in an eye have been described herein, other embodimentsare possible and are included within the claims appended to thisdisclosure. Such other embodiments include those in which a coating orother form of shielding is applied to the sources of illumination toprevent the emission of stray light. In some embodiments, a baffle maybe placed in front of a source of illumination to serve a similarpurpose.

Although an example of the stimulus that may be generated is describedherein, in other embodiments, the properties of the generated stimulusmay be varied. These properties include the stimulus form, shape,density, and intensity of the stimulus.

The manufacture or fabrication of the elements or components of theembodiments of the apparatuses described herein may be accomplished byany suitable method or process flow. These include, but are not limitedto, molding, deposition, etching, photo-lithography, pre-fabrication ofthe projection modules followed by inserting the pre-formed modules intofacets in a lens or sections of a mold, pre-fabrication of lightguidesand deposition onto a lens surface or placement into a mold or etchedsection, pre-fabrication of the optical elements and deposition onto alens surface or placement into a mold or etched section, etc.

As described herein, the processor or computing devices and systemsdescribed and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or formof computing device or system capable of executing computer-readableinstructions, such as those contained within the modules describedherein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) mayeach comprise at least one memory device and at least one physicalprocessor.

The term “memory” or “memory device,” as used herein, generallyrepresents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage deviceor medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions.In one example, a memory device may store, load, and/or maintain one ormore of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devicescomprise, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read OnlyMemory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives(SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of oneor more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.

In addition, the term “processor” or “physical processor,” as usedherein, generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implementedprocessing unit capable of interpreting and/or executingcomputer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor mayaccess and/or modify one or more modules stored in the above-describedmemory device. Examples of physical processors comprise, withoutlimitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units(CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcoreprocessors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portionsof one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more ofthe same, or any other suitable physical processor. The processor maycomprise a distributed processor system, e.g. running parallelprocessors, or a remote processor such as a server, and combinationsthereof.

Although illustrated as separate elements, the method steps describedand/or illustrated herein may represent portions of a singleapplication. In addition, in some embodiments one or more of these stepsmay represent or correspond to one or more software applications orprograms that, when executed by a computing device, may cause thecomputing device to perform one or more tasks, such as the method step.

In addition, one or more of the apparatuses or devices described hereinmay transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physicaldevices from one form to another. Additionally or alternatively, one ormore of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physicalcomputing device from one form of computing device to another form ofcomputing device by executing on the computing device, storing data onthe computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computingdevice.

The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, generally refers toany form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carryingcomputer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediacomprise, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrierwaves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media(e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storagemedia (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), andBLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives andflash media), and other distribution systems.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any process ormethod disclosed herein can be modified in many ways. The processparameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated hereinare given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. Forexample, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may beshown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarilyneed to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed.

The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein mayalso omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein orcomprise additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Further, astep of any method as disclosed herein can be combined with any one ormore steps of any other method as disclosed herein.

The processor as described herein can be configured to perform one ormore steps of any method disclosed herein. Alternatively, or incombination, the processor can be configured to combine one or moresteps of one or more methods as disclosed herein. The processor asdisclosed herein can be configured with instructions to perform any oneor more steps of any method as disclosed herein.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (andtheir derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to beconstrued as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via otherelements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,”as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning“at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and“having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification andclaims, are interchangeable with and shall have the same meaning as theword “comprising.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”“third”, etc. may be used herein to describe various layers, elements,components, regions or sections without referring to any particularorder or sequence of events. These terms are merely used to distinguishone layer, element, component, region or section from another layer,element, component, region or section. A first layer, element,component, region or section as described herein could be referred to asa second layer, element, component, region or section without departingfrom the teachings of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “or” is used inclusively to refer items in thealternative and in combination.

As used herein, characters such as numerals refer to like elements.

The present disclosure includes the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. An apparatus to treat refractive error of an eye, comprising:an optic; a plurality of projection modules arranged around a peripheryof the optic, each of the plurality of projection modules operating togenerate and direct light to form a stimulus; and a plurality of opticalelements arranged on the optic to receive the light from the pluralityof projection modules and direct the received light to form an image ofthe stimulus anterior or posterior to a peripheral region of a retina ofthe eye.

Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the optic comprises a lens.

Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the optic comprises a filmor layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the lens comprises acontact lens or a lens of a pair of spectacles.

Clause 5. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein each of the plurality ofprojection modules further comprises: circuitry operative to activate asource of illumination in response to a control signal from a processor;a stimulus forming element arranged to form the stimulus whenilluminated by the source of illumination; and a guide element to directlight from the stimulus forming element to at least one of the pluralityof optical elements.

Clause 6. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the source of illuminationcomprises one or more of a LED, OLED, a phosphorescent LED or aplurality of LEDs.

Clause 7. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the source of illuminationgenerates light in a specific wavelength band.

Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the source of illuminationgenerates light in a wavelength band of no more than 25 nm.

Clause 9. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the stimulus formingelement comprises a mask, film, or reticle.

Clause 10. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the formed image of thestimulus comprises an illuminated cross on a dark background andoptionally a white cross on a black background.

Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the guide elementcomprises a lightguide.

Clause 12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the lightguide furthercomprises: a light channel configured to transmit light; a reflectiveelement to redirect the transmitted light to form the image; and afocusing element arranged to receive the redirected light and to projectthe redirected light toward at least one of the plurality of opticalelements.

Clause 13. The apparatus of clause 12, wherein the focusing elementcomprises one or more lenses.

Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 13, wherein the one or more lensescreate a convergent beam of light.

Clause 15. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein each of the plurality ofoptical elements comprises one or more of a mirror or mirrors, a partialmirror or partial mirrors, or a lightguide.

Clause 16. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the optic comprises a lensand each of the guide elements directs the formed stimulus to a facet ofthe lens, and further, wherein the facet directs the formed stimulus toat least one of the plurality of optical elements.

Clause 17. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the optic comprises a lensof a pair of spectacles and further, wherein each of the plurality ofprojection modules are supported by a frame of the spectacles, andoptionally embedded or partially embedded in the frame.

Clause 18. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the optic comprises a filmor layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 19. The apparatus of clause 18, wherein each of the guideelements directs the formed stimulus to a facet of the lens, andfurther, wherein the facet directs the formed stimulus to at least oneof the plurality of optical elements.

Clause 20. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein each of the plurality ofoptical elements comprises a lightguide, and further wherein eachlightguide comprises a mirror or mirrors to redirect the receivedstimulus into the eye to form an image anterior or posterior to aperipheral region of the retina.

Clause 21. The apparatus of clause 20 wherein each lightguide comprisesone or more partial mirrors, the partial mirrors operating to cause animage of the same luminance to be formed by each lightguide.

Clause 22. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the circuitry includes asource of power, and further, wherein the processor is programmed with aset of instructions that when executed, cause the processor to generatethe control signal.

Clause 23. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the optic comprises anoptical substrate having a curvature substantially the same as the frontcurvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the optic configured to fitover the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Clause 24. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the optic comprises anoptical substrate having a curvature substantially the same as the backcurvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the optic configured to fitbehind the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Clause 25. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for treatingrefractive error of an eye, comprising: arranging a plurality ofprojection modules around a periphery of an optic, each of the pluralityof projection modules operating to generate and direct light to form astimulus; and arranging a plurality of optical elements on the optic toreceive the light from the plurality of projection modules and directthe received light to form an image of the stimulus anterior orposterior to a peripheral region of a retina of the eye.

Clause 26. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises a lens.

Clause 27. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises a film or layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 28. The method of manufacturing of clause 26, wherein the lenscomprises a contact lens or a lens of a pair of spectacles.

Clause 29. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein each of theplurality of projection modules further comprises: circuitry operativeto activate a source of illumination in response to a control signalfrom a processor; a stimulus forming element arranged to form thestimulus when illuminated by the source of illumination; and a guideelement to direct light from the stimulus forming element to at leastone of the plurality of optical elements.

Clause 30. The method of manufacturing of clause 29, wherein the sourceof illumination comprises one or more of a LED, OLED, a phosphorescentLED or a plurality of LEDs.

Clause 31. The method of manufacturing of clause 29, wherein thestimulus forming element comprises a mask or reticle.

Clause 32. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the formedimage of the stimulus comprises an illuminated cross on a darkbackground and optionally a white cross on a black background.

Clause 33. The method of manufacturing of clause 29, wherein the guideelement comprises a lightguide.

Clause 34. The method of manufacturing of clause 33, wherein thelightguide further comprises: a light channel configured to transmitlight; a reflective element to redirect the transmitted light to formthe image; and a focusing element arranged to receive the redirectedlight and to project the redirected light toward at least one of theplurality of optical elements.

Clause 35. The method of manufacturing of clause 34, wherein thefocusing element comprises one or more lenses.

Clause 36. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein each of theplurality of optical elements comprises one or more of a mirror ormirrors, a partial mirror or partial mirrors, or a lightguide.

Clause 37. The method of manufacturing of clause 29, wherein the opticcomprises a lens and each of the guide elements directs the formedstimulus to a facet of the lens, and further, wherein the facet directsthe formed stimulus to at least one of the plurality of opticalelements.

Clause 38. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises a lens of a pair of spectacles and wherein the method furthercomprises supporting each of the plurality of projection modules by aframe of the spectacles, and optionally embedding or partially embeddingeach projection module in the frame.

Clause 39. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises a film or layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 40. The method of manufacturing of clause 39, wherein each of theguide elements directs the formed stimulus to a facet of the lens, andfurther, wherein the facet directs the formed stimulus to at least oneof the plurality of optical elements.

Clause 41. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein each of theplurality of optical elements comprises a lightguide, and furtherwherein each lightguide comprises a mirror or mirrors to redirect thereceived stimulus into the eye to form an image anterior or posterior toa peripheral region of the retina.

Clause 42. The method of manufacturing of clause 41, wherein eachlightguide comprises one or more partial mirrors, the partial mirrorsoperating to cause an image of the same luminance to be formed by eachlightguide.

Clause 43. The method of manufacturing of clause 29, wherein thecircuitry includes a source of power, and further, wherein the processoris programmed with a set of instructions that when executed, cause theprocessor to generate the control signal.

Clause 44. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises an optical substrate having a curvature substantially the sameas the front curvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the opticconfigured to fit over the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Clause 45. The method of manufacturing of clause 25, wherein the opticcomprises an optical substrate having a curvature substantially the sameas the back curvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the opticconfigured to fit behind the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Clause 46. A method of correcting refractive error of an eye,comprising: generating a stimulus by operating a plurality of projectionmodules arranged around a periphery of an optic, wherein each of theplurality of projection modules operates to generate and direct light toform the stimulus; and forming an image of the stimulus anterior orposterior to a peripheral region of a retina of the eye by directinglight from the plurality of projection modules to a plurality of opticalelements arranged on the optic, wherein the plurality of opticalelements receive the light from the plurality of projection modules anddirect the received light to form the image of the stimulus.

Clause 47. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises a lens.

Clause 48. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises a filmor layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 49. The method of clause 47, wherein the lens comprises a contactlens or a lens of a pair of spectacles.

Clause 50. The method of clause 46, wherein each of the plurality ofprojection modules further comprises: circuitry operative to activate asource of illumination in response to a control signal from a processor;a stimulus forming element arranged to form the stimulus whenilluminated by the source of illumination; and a guide element to directlight from the stimulus forming element to at least one of the pluralityof optical elements.

Clause 51. The method of clause 50, wherein the source of illuminationcomprises one or more of a LED, OLED, a phosphorescent LED or aplurality of LEDs.

Clause 52. The method of clause 50, wherein the stimulus forming elementcomprises a mask or reticle.

Clause 53. The method of clause 46, wherein the formed image of thestimulus comprises an illuminated cross on a dark background andoptionally a white cross on a black background.

Clause 54. The method of clause 50, wherein the guide element comprisesa lightguide.

Clause 55. The method of clause 54, wherein the lightguide furthercomprises: a light channel configured to transmit light; a reflectiveelement to redirect the transmitted light to form the image; and afocusing element arranged to receive the redirected light and to projectthe redirected light toward at least one of the plurality of opticalelements.

Clause 56. The method of clause 55, wherein the focusing elementcomprises one or more lenses.

Clause 57. The method of clause 46, wherein each of the plurality ofoptical elements comprises one or more of a mirror or mirrors, a partialmirror or partial mirrors, or a lightguide.

Clause 58. The method of clause 50, wherein the optic comprises a lensand each of the guide elements directs the formed stimulus to a facet ofthe lens, and further, wherein the facet directs the formed stimulus toat least one of the plurality of optical elements.

Clause 59. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises a lensof a pair of spectacles and wherein the method further comprisessupporting each of the plurality of projection modules by a frame of thespectacles, and optionally embedding or partially embedding eachprojection module in the frame.

Clause 60. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises a filmor layer that is applied to a lens.

Clause 61. The method of clause 60, wherein each of the guide elementsdirects the formed stimulus to a facet of the lens, and further, whereinthe facet directs the formed stimulus to at least one of the pluralityof optical elements.

Clause 62. The method of clause 61, wherein each of the plurality ofoptical elements comprises a lightguide, and further wherein eachlightguide comprises a mirror or mirrors to redirect the receivedstimulus into the eye to form an image anterior or posterior to aperipheral region of the retina.

Clause 63. The method of clause 62, wherein each lightguide comprisesone or more partial mirrors, the partial mirrors operating to cause animage of the same luminance to be formed by each lightguide.

Clause 64. The method of clause 50, wherein the circuitry includes asource of power, and further, wherein the processor is programmed with aset of instructions that when executed, cause the processor to generatethe control signal.

Clause 65. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises anoptical substrate having a curvature substantially the same as the frontcurvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the optic configured to fitover the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Clause 66. The method of clause 46, wherein the optic comprises anoptical substrate having a curvature substantially the same as the backcurvature of a lens of a pair of spectacles, the optic configured to fitbehind the lens of the pair of spectacles.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described asset forth herein and are provided by way of example only. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous adaptations, changes,variations and substitutions without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Several alternatives and combinations of theembodiments disclosed herein may be utilized without departing from thescope of the present disclosure and the inventions disclosed herein.Therefore, the scope of the presently disclosed inventions shall bedefined solely by the scope of the appended claims and the equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to treat refractive error of an eye,comprising: an optic; a plurality of projection modules arranged aroundan outer portion of the optic, each of the plurality of projectionmodules operating to generate and direct light to form a stimulus; and aplurality of optical elements arranged on the optic to receive the lightfrom the plurality of projection modules and direct the received lightto form an image of the stimulus anterior or posterior to a peripheralregion of a retina of the eye.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theoptic comprises a lens.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opticcomprises a film or layer on an optical substrate.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the lens comprises a contact lens or a lens of a pairof spectacles.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of projection modules further comprises: circuitry operativeto activate a source of illumination in response to a control signalfrom a processor; a stimulus forming element arranged to form thestimulus when illuminated by the source of illumination; and a guideelement to direct light from the stimulus forming element to at leastone of the plurality of optical elements.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the source of illumination comprises one or more of a LED, OLED,a phosphorescent LED or a plurality of LEDs.
 7. The apparatus of claim5, wherein the source of illumination generates light in a specificwavelength band.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the source ofillumination generates light in a wavelength band of no more than 25 nm.9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stimulus forming elementcomprises a mask, film, or reticle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the formed image of the stimulus comprises an illuminated crosson a dark background and optionally a white cross on a black background.11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the guide element comprises alightguide.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lightguidefurther comprises: a light channel configured to transmit light; areflective element to redirect the transmitted light to form the image;and a focusing element arranged to receive the redirected light and toproject the redirected light toward at least one of the plurality ofoptical elements.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the focusingelement comprises one or more lenses.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the one or more lenses create a convergent beam of light. 15.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of opticalelements comprises one or more of a mirror or mirrors, a partial mirroror partial mirrors, or a lightguide.
 16. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the optic comprises a lens and each of the guide elementsdirects the formed stimulus to a facet of the lens, and further, whereinthe facet directs the formed stimulus to at least one of the pluralityof optical elements.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opticcomprises a lens of a pair of spectacles and further, wherein each ofthe plurality of projection modules are supported by a frame of thespectacles, and optionally embedded or partially embedded in the frame.18. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the optic comprises a film orlayer that is applied to a lens.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereineach of the guide elements directs the formed stimulus to a facet of thelens, and further, wherein the facet directs the formed stimulus to atleast one of the plurality of optical elements.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of optical elements comprises alightguide, and further wherein each lightguide redirects the stimulusinto the eye to form an image anterior or posterior to a peripheralregion of the retina.